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Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

The Holy Cross Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Program is a collaborative effort among the specialized disciplines of physiatry, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language pathology. Our staff is dedicated to helping patients achieve their highest possible level of independence and quality of life.

Occupational Therapy (OT)
Occupational Therapy (OT) focuses on an individual’s ability to care for him or herself on a day-to-day basis. Patients who have sustained stroke, brain injury, fracture, or total joint replacement may need to learn how to perform their activities of daily living (ADLs)—eating, bathing dressing, etc.—in a different way or with different tools to assist them. Patients with chronic impairments may need to learn strategies for energy conservation, safety awareness, and injury prevention. Occupational therapists strive to improve self-care skills, cognitive function, balance, and upper extremity and hand function.

Physical Therapy (PT)
Physical Therapy (PT) addresses gait and mobility issues, strength and balance deficits, open wounds and reducing the secondary effects of prolonged bed rest or immobilization. The primary objectives of physical therapy are to:

The primary objectives of physical therapy are to:

• Promote healing and relieve pain, inflammation, and muscle spasms
• Restore maximum independence, so patients can become more functional in their living and work environments
• Reduce joint stiffness and improve muscle function including strength, endurance, and muscle tone
• Improve everyday activities such as walking on even and uneven surfaces, stair climbing, and transferring from chair to bed
• Provide emotional support, motivation, and realistic goal-setting
• Educate patients and their families on how to prevent injury, re-injury, and/or disability.

Speech-Language Pathology (SLP)
Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) evaluates and treats patients with attention and memory deficits, speech and language impairments, and swallowing difficulties. Patients may have developed impairments as a result of stroke, brain injury, trauma, an overuse syndrome, or a chronic condition. Therapists use a variety of diagnostic tools, including visual and physical assessment, stroboscope data, and radiological studies. Therapists may use an endostroboscope to assess a patient’s vocal cord function or radiological studies to evaluate a patient’s ability to safely swallow. Therapists evaluate and treat patients with a variety of language and cognitive impairments to teach them strategies to make communications easier.

Learn More

• Learn about Specialized Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Programs.
• Read about the members of the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Team.

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